Patria has awarded a new contract to BAE Systems for the delivery of Bofors 40 Mk4 naval guns for the Finnish Navy and its Hamina-class Squadron 2000 fast-attack craft.

Patria is serving as the prime contractor for the vessels’ mid-life upgrade and modernisation programme.

The Finnish Navy will add the 40 Mk4 guns to its installed base of BAE Systems naval guns as part of the deal, in addition to the previous versions of 40mm L / 70 and 57mm Mk3 systems.

"In modern tactical scenarios, ships must be able to operate in different levels of conflict, and survivability requires an extremely flexible weapon system like the 40 Mk4."

The Bofors 40 Mk4 is a compact, low-weight naval gun that offers a high rate of fire and the capability to switch between optimised ammunition types, including the programmable 40mm 3P all-target ammunition.

Additionally, the flexible, multi-purpose system can operate effectively against air, sea and ground targets, while offering high survivability and tactical proficiency at all levels of conflict.

BAE Systems Sweden Weapon Systems managing director Lena Gillström said: “Finland is the third country to select our Bofors 40 Mk4, the result of growing interest from countries seeking the flexibility that this 40mm naval gun and ammunition system provides.

“In modern tactical scenarios, ships must be able to operate in different levels of conflict, and survivability requires an extremely flexible weapon system like the 40 Mk4.”

BAE Systems has previously delivered gun systems to both the Finnish Navy and the Finnish Army, including air defence, field artillery and anti-tank weaponry.

In addition, more than ten other countries currently use BAE Systems’ Bofors 40mm gun systems.